He tipped his hat in a cordial manner. “I would be more than honored. Thank you, Miss Young.”
Iris must have been watching them through her window because she met Aurora at the door before she’d raised her hand to knock.
“I’ve been expecting you.”
Aurora had the grace to lace her smile with a little bit of embarrassment. “I should have come sooner.”
“Yes, you should have. Well, you’re here now, come in.”
As they settled themselves in the quaint parlor, Iris wasted no time, “I suppose I ought to be angry, but honestly, Kate is carrying on enough for the both of us.”
“So I hear.”
Iris continued, “I won’t begrudge you, Aurora. In fact, I should be thanking you. I could have retired long ago and now you are making it possible. I lost my passion for this business years ago. I haven’t the stomach anymore to see scum walk through my front door and have their way with my girls. You made me see that we are worth something other than a dollar. You are a dream come true for these women and I know when to throw in the white flag of surrender.”
“You are a good woman, Iris.”
Iris scoffed, “That’s not something many would say, and it’s too late to change their opinions on the matter.”
“We could use your help at the new boardinghouse, if you’ve a mind to.”
“Did you know I have a daughter who lives back east? No, of course you didn’t. I’ve three grandchildren as well.” Iris rose and paced the hardwood floor. “If my Mary will have me, I’d like to spend the rest of my days with her and the children.”
“That would be wonderful. I’m happy for you.”
“Don’t be yet. Anyway, I am going to sell this house and give you and your girls all of the furniture.”
Her tone was absolute and Aurora would not argue. It was for the better for “her girls” as Iris put it and she would accept. “We could use it and we are obliged to you.”
A fine tear rested on Iris’s wrinkled cheek. “Take care of them, I wish I had it in me to do as you are. You are one fine soiled dove, Aurora.”
The compliments being tossed her way lately were all uncalled for in her opinion, but Aurora answered, “As are you. I will miss the friendship we could have had.”
Iris looked at her squarely. “Good luck to you.”
Aurora planted a light kiss onto her wet cheek and left Iris standing alone in her empty parlor. No longer did laughter emanate from it, no more men perused through it, no bodies would ever be sold for entertainment again from this place.
Chapter Thirty-Five
Upset that he had nerves other than those of iron where Aurora was concerned made Donovan unsure if he should high-tail it out of there. Then Aurora saw him and it was too late. He was stuck now between conquering his timid frame of mind and running away from the beauty walking his way. He also cursed himself for the stupidity that brought him here in the first place – like she’d have his grumpy self. Oddly enough, she seemed pleased to see him, even greeted him brightly. “Good afternoon, Donovan.”
He hooked his thumbs into the loops at his waist. It was all he could think of doing in order to preserve his usual stoic manner. Donovan’s body relaxed and he softened. “I came to see you.”
Nonchalantly, she was filling up canteens when he said this and she looked at him in a business-like manner. “What can I do for you?”
His eyes touched on her porcelain skin. He was forgetting himself. “I spoke to Roman about….”
She searched him out, giving her full attention.
“I have never done this before…”
Why couldn’t he just spit it out? He’d never been one to hold his words. Her stance became somewhat impatient.
“Well I… I’d like to come calling on you. If you don’t mind. Not that I expect you to agree or anything, but just in case you….”
“I would like nothing more.”
He was surprised by her quick answer. “Alright then,” He replaced his hat and looked around at the empty acreage. “Where is everybody?”
“They are out on the line near the pasture. It’s why I’m filling up the canteens.”
“Shall we take a ride out and deliver them?”
“I walked. My horse isn’t ready.”
“We’ll take mine.” It was all too sudden, as if the relationship could now be enveloped in those few words and had changed full circle.
Adeptly, he pulled her up in front of him, her closeness stirring him. He was on fire. As they neared the pasture Donovan saw a small gathering of people and a foundation for a building. Why were there so many women about?
He guided Aurora so she could slide off the horse and she took Luke a canteen. He’d been sawing a plank and drank the cool water the second it reached his hands. He looked deflated at seeing them ride in together. Donovan knew all too well what he’d always felt like when Luke was with Aurora. He ordered, “Luke, you should take a break.”
“Will do, Boss.”
Donovan eyed Aurora with confusion. “What’s all this?”
“We’re building a boardinghouse.”
His teeth clenched at the thought. Women not used to working with their hands were helping Roman’s men, even helping some of his own, build of all things.
Aurora went on to explain her dreams for these girls and Donovan couldn’t take anymore of this nonsense. He interrupted, “You are making a way for prostitutes to live on your property.”
“Ex-prostitutes.”
Donovan’s voice raised, “This is insane! Why would you do something like this?” He noted Luke stand to full height from a log he was leaning against to see what was going on, as well as others.
“Donovan, please.” She placed her hand on his forearm.
He looked down at it and attempted to keep his voice lowered. “I don’t know what to make of you, Aurora.” For once he didn’t want to be angry, nor did he wish to ruin any chance with her, but for the life of him, he didn’t understand the woman.
“Why is it so hard for everyone to believe in a better life for these women? Someone needs to help them or they will forever be made lower in life.”
They found a spot to sit on the plush grass, away from the workers and from prying eyes. Donovan plucked a blade of it and twirled it in his fingers. “Why does it have to be you? Let them find their own way. You are too good to taint yourself in their company.”
Aurora came down to his level and he looked into her eyes, hoping to change her mind. She asked him an odd question. “Did you mean what you said by the well?”
“I don’t say things like that lightly. I’ve been thinking about you for weeks.”
A blush actually crept into her cheeks. She never struck him as a coy girl who played games and she didn’t disappoint. What looked to be an afterthought, the boldness he knew she possessed rose to the surface. Without meaning to appear seductive, he decided, she removed the blade of grass from his mouth and set it aside. “You were in my thoughts, too.”
“I’ve been awful to you.”
“Yes you have,” she responded with a smile.
Donovan inched closer. “Like I said, I don’t know what to make of you.”
“Would it be fun if you did?”
The workers below were forgotten. Donovan cupped Aurora’s cheek and kissed her slowly. Shivers raced throughout his entire being. She returned the kiss deeply, as if she’d been starving for it and his breath was filling her. She was a passionate woman, he knew this, but had no idea she would overcome him this way. When Donovan reluctantly pulled away, a teardrop rested on her cheek. He wiped it with his thumb.
After shifting her gently from his arms, Donovan continued where the conversation left off. He gestured towards the workers below. “So, answer me this. Why does it have to be you?”
Could Aurora entertain a relationship with someone who did not share her hopes and dreams? Ironically enough, she had fallen in love with Donovan the moment he put down his guar
d and shared a picnic with her, only to grow the day he took her land with Luke’s blessing.
“They will never be able to make their own way, Donovan.”
“You can’t be sure. There are other jobs for them to find if only they set about to find them. It’s their choice. And it’s not your job to rescue them.” He seemed to have forgotten the reasons he admired her as he spoke the unsympathetic words.
“It is my job. I once…worked in a high-class brothel,” she whispered.
There. It was done.
Donovan stared hard at her. The moment seemed an eternity. “What are you saying?”
A panic driven, shattered feeling ebbed at her heart.
“It’s not our choice to live like that. Some maybe, but it wasn’t for me. My own mother forced me into prostitution when I was fourteen.” She made sure there was no trace of self-pity in her voice. It was an unchangeable part of her life and God had restored her.
She could see that Donovan couldn’t take this. She read the disgust in his eyes, in his judgmental body language.
“I make no excuses, Donovan. I would still be living that way today if I hadn’t gotten lucky and come into some money.” Aurora was never one to be emotional and cry, but she did so now – not for her but for the love of the women who had come to her, for their own hopes and choice to persevere in this unjust world. “So you see, it is up to me. I can make a way for them. I can’t stand back and witness this defilement any longer.”
Without another word from either, Aurora stood and ironed out her wrinkled skirts. With silent sobs and sadness, she went to the horse and plucked free more canteens. If she had to choose, it would be those who needed her most. She headed back over the hill, hoping the tears would be dry before she reached them all, and she did not look back.
Chapter Thirty-Six
Aurora scarcely remembered Christmas. It had come and gone just as the snow did. She could barely keep up with life. The girls’ housing had been completed and furnished long ago. Aurora shook the spring rains from her slicker and approached the boardinghouse door. The clear and airy laughter inside caused her to smile.
As she looked upon the classes going on in the large open area of the home, she could not help but feel elated and much rewarded. These women were in their element. Carrie Anne beckoned her over to the sewing circle. “Did you bring it?”
The faces about her were eager for the answer and Aurora dug into her slicker, where she’d placed it for safekeeping, and provided the silk and lace. From the delighted responses received, it had been well worth going to town for. It was also well worth the visit with Marshal LaSalle. The town had been more than honored when he gave up his post in Helena to reside permanently in Pine City. But for each time spent with him Aurora was reminded of his affections towards her. Affections she could not return wholeheartedly, but could she settle for less? He knew all about her past and accepted her. He was easy to talk to, he admired her, but most of all, Marshal LaSalle accepted Aurora for who she was. Even as her broken heart lay elsewhere. But what he wasn’t, was Donovan Ramsey.
Aurora laughed softly as the girls quickly ignored her presence, so in tune with their treasures. Aurora made her way to Josie, teaching the ladies letters and words. Employment and Finances were written on the blackboard. This winter had been a good one, not perfect, but satisfying. She strode to the kitchen where Sophia was impatiently correcting Pearl on the business of making applesauce. “No,” she said. “Don’t add the sugar until it’s near done, else it will crystallize.”
Pearl saw Aurora, and immediately bit back a retort to Sophia by biting her bottom lip. Aurora gave her an encouraging smile. Keep going, you’re doing well.
The women got their spiritual lessons from Aurora’s humble knowledge of the Bible. She taught Sunday school and whenever Reverend John was in town, he held special services for them. The women seemed to get more youthful every day, just as Aurora began to feel old as a spinster. She supposed idle loneliness could do that to a person. Josie left the girls to their tablets and came to Aurora as she was pouring herself a cup of tea. “We’re getting cabin fever.”
“Well, spring is about here. It won’t be much longer. Then we can turn our interests to the pasture.”
“I was thinking about having a picnic.”
“It’s a bit wet for that.” Aurora stirred sugar in the fine cup, thoughts not all together on Josie. The clanking against the china brought a soothing comfort, somehow.
“I don’t mean today. Let’s show off our work here. Ever heard of a bidding picnic?”
The sip stopped at Aurora’s lips and a smile spread beneath the rim. “Show what fine ladies we have, ladies available now for domesticated life?”
“Let’s do it.”
Coming to herself, Aurora replied, “We best get started on some new dresses then.”
Josie turned and interrupted class time, much to Sophia’s annoyance. “Aurora has something to tell you.”
“I am putting forth that we have a soiree of sorts. There is a need for wives out here as you well know.” Some women stood, hands clasping against breasts in anticipation. “We will have a bidding. Josie, Carrie Anne and I will hand pick men from town and surrounding areas to come out, bid on a picnic basket that you’ve made and the highest bidder gets the girl for the day.”
Excitement and giggles filled the room. It was electric and overflowed onto Aurora. This was good. And Josie, the superintendent of sorts said official-like, “So we have much work to do. Special cooking classes will need to be had, and we must fine tune your talents.” she smiled seductively. “We’ve some men to impress.”
Cheers went up and when it settled Aurora announced, “A new dress for everybody!”
Only after finishing her tea and seeing hope springing new in everyone’s pretty faces, did Aurora leave. Her big old lonely house awaited her attentions, or at least the bread in her oven did, and the open book on the side table in the parlor called out to be finished.
The overly hard blow had not been necessary, but the frustration welling inside had to be spent. Donovan brought the ax down again. The wood split and flew from the mangled stump. Another and another. His woodpile was high. He would never burn all of it. Especially with the thaw coming. Sweat streaked his shirtless body and he swung again. This is how it had been all blasted winter. Aurora haunted him at every turn. The hurt look on her face, the way she had walked away from him, making it easy for him to reject her. The hope in Aurora’s eyes when he’d asked to come courting, now killed his heart. It had been love in her eyes, and he’d thrown it back in her face. How could he know what to do with her confession? It’d felt like he’d been punched in the face, rendering him from having a clear mind. He swung again and a blister in his palm broke and bled. He did not care.
Thoughts of her had plagued him every last dark month of winter. Thoughts of Marshal LaSalle calling on her. He swore into the clear sky and beat down upon his victim of kindling. This time the ax stuck in the stump and he wrestled with it. Finally defeated, he slumped beside it, panting, sweating. Discontent formed anew. Why did she have to house those women? Why did she have to be one of them herself? If she hadn’t been, he would have courted her. It seemed that life was bent on making nothing but misery for him. First his mother, and no sooner than he let down his guarded heart – he got hit with her past? He couldn’t look at Aurora after she shared what must have been the most difficult thing to say. She was only being honest, so he would know what he was getting. He’d wanted to say something, but his mouth had gone still, he’d felt paralyzed, and it had been too late before he could fix his reaction.
His throat needed water. Donovan eyed the ladle in the bucket, heard first the rider, then saw it was Roman. Swearing again, he rose to drink. All he wanted to do was sit in his misery. Was that too much to ask?
He saw Roman eye the wood strewn across the lawn, showing that Donovan was not himself. If he had been, each and every piece would have been cut to pre
cision, stacked in good order.
“Carrie Anne says the girls are going to have a picnic basket bidding.”
Donovan eyed him sorely. “So?”
“It’s by invitation only.”
“As if I would go, Roman.”
Roman shifted on his horse. “You weren’t invited.”
“Then what are you bothering me for?” Donovan’s hand clenched and he tossed the ladle as if the water disgusted him.
Carefully hiding his smile, Roman said, “Carrie Anne wants you to come.” He was given Donovan’s back walking away from him. “You are a miserable cuss. You know that, don’t you?”
“Who cares what I am.”
Roman dismounted and stalked him. “Just come for Carrie Anne. She’s making a basket for Aurora. She doesn’t know it.”
He halted. “Why doesn’t she make her own basket?”
“She won’t.”
Irritated to the core, he swung around, almost violently. “It doesn’t concern me.”
“She won’t make a basket because she would only want you to bid.”
Now that was humorous. “What about her marshal? The Reverend, or Luke for that matter?” His laugh was cruel. “Aurora has no shortage of suitors, so I hear.”
“Carrie Anne believes if you bid on Aurora’s basket, she would be happy again.”
Donovan slid on his shirt. “I don’t know what to say. I can’t do it. You know what she was before she came here. That’s not for me.”
“You have no tolerance for anything. Who are you to…?”
“Watch your words, Roman.”
“Don’t tell me to watch my words.” He shoved Donovan.
So, he’s angry with righteous indignation, eh?
Donovan wanted to slough it off but Roman continued, “Your ma was always looking for ways to hurt pa. She was intent on it and you know it. Aurora is different. It was that or die of starvation.”
Digging a finger into Roman’s chest Donovan warned, “Shut-up. Don’t you lay a hand on me again. What would you do, Roman? Knowing that Carrie Anne lay with countless men before you – maybe even enjoyed it?”
The Heart of a Soiled Dove Page 18